1983 Ford Escort Recalls

NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for the 1983 Ford Escort. A recall applies only to vehicles built within the affected range, so check your own VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for recalls are free at a franchised dealer.

• 88V193000Dec 19, 1988550 vehicles potentially affected
  Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump
  Covers: Ford Escort 1983

  Reported issue: The diaphragm material of the mechanical fuel pumps may deteriorate and allow the diaphragm to rupture.

  Possible consequence: Fuel pumped through the ruptured diaphragm and out ofthe vent opening could result in a fire.

  Remedy: Install new mechanical fuel pumps with improved diaphragm material and revise wiring for electric fuel pump circuits.

  Full campaign details →

• 85V067000May 21, 1985515,000 vehicles potentially affected
  Seat belts › Rear/other
  Covers: Ford Escort 1982–1983, Mercury Lynx 1982–1983

  Reported issue: Rear seat belt retractors may allow twisted webbing to enter the retractor housing and jam the retractor. Consequence of defect: a jammed retractor would interfere with webbing retraction and withdrawal. This will discourage seat belt usage.

  Remedy: A clip will be inserted into the retractor housing webbing to prevent jamming.

  Full campaign details →

• 84V071000Jun 15, 1984261,400 vehicles potentially affected
  Seats
  Covers: Ford Escort 1981–1983, Mercury Lynx 1981–1983, Ford Tempo 1984

  Reported issue: Seat frame structure could sever front seat belts if vehicle is involved in an accident, depending on force of impact.

  Remedy: Dealer will install a molded spacer between reinforcement plates and lower decorative plastic cover.

  Full campaign details →

• 83V063000Jun 22, 1983610,000 vehicles potentially affected
  Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Latch
  Covers: Ford Escort 1981–1983, Mercury Lynx 1981–1983, Ford EXP 1982–1983

  Reported issue: Door lock pillars could develop fatigue cracks from normal usage of door, at the point where door latch striker reinforcements are attached.

  Remedy: Any damaged lock pillars will be repaired and reinforcements will be installed between the door latch striker and lock pillars.

  Full campaign details →

• 82V088000Sep 16, 19822,800 vehicles potentially affected
  Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly › Filler pipe and cap
  Covers: Ford Escort 1983, Mercury Lynx 1983

  Reported issue: During a crash barrier test, the rubber hose connecting the fuel tank and the metal filler pipe vent tube was cut, resulting in fuel leakage. The involved vehicles fail to comply with federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 301, "fuel system integrity".

  Remedy: Dealer will install a brace between the right side rear quarter panel and the body side rail to improve fuel tank impact resistance.

  Full campaign details →

NHTSA investigations

• DP86016STALLINGClosed · Jul 24, 1986
• EA86010Seatback failureClosed · Mar 26, 1986
• DP84017Stalling and carburetor malfunctionsClosed · May 30, 1984

← All problems reported for the 1983 Ford Escort